The holiday season is in full swing, and with more than 4 million people expected to travel during Thanksgiving week, Chicago's Better Business Bureau is warning travelers against potential vacation scams.
Attractive vacation "deals" can come in the form of emails, text messages, social media and published ads, according to the BBB.
Scammers reel in potential customers with low prices on air fares, car rentals and hotels that offer luxury accommodations at bargain prices.
"Not all travel hazards or scams are deal related," Steve J. Bernas, president and CEO of the Better Business Bureau in Chicago and northern Illinois, said in a statement. "For travelers who choose to go by rental car there is a serious concern."
Travelers who connect their phones and digital devices into rental car systems, for example, are at risk of having their personal information and data stored and stolen, according to Bernas.
"Make sure you delete that data before you return the car, otherwise new renters, rental car employees, and even hackers may be next at the wheel, driving your information into their digital devices," he added.
Travelers should especially avoid last minute, cheap air fares and the demand for upfront payment. If a travel contact won't give specific information about the offer, that should signal a potential scam.
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The BBB also recommends these tips as protection against travel and vacation scams:
• Check for full company details in any ads and on websites. Find the company's name and address then check that they actually exist
• Keep an eye out for bad spelling and grammar
• Beware if you're encouraged to pay in cash because they are not accepting credit cards due to high fees
• Don't be tempted by price
• Book directly with an established hotel or reputable travel agent
• Establish that you are dealing with the property owner or manager
• Confirm everything offered in writing before payment is made
• Pay only by credit card
• Get refund policies in writing
